QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH NON-DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHIC PAIN; RESULTS FROM A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY IN GENERAL PRACTICES IN HUNGARY

Abstract

Background and purpose – There is a lack of data on the impact on health related quality of life of peripheral neuropathic pain in Hungary. The main aims of the study were to assess the health related quality of life of nondiabetic PeNP patients identified in general practices through screening, and to assess the relationship between condition specific pain scores and health state utilities. Methods – Non-diabetic patients aged ≥30 years were recruited in 10 general practices in Hungary. At first, patients filled in the PainDETECT Questionnaire (PD-Q) and those who have achieved ≥13 PD-Q score (unclear or possible neuropathic pain) were further assessed by the DN4 questionnaire. Patients with PD-Q score >18 or DN4 score ≥4 were considered to have PeNP and they completed the EQ-5D health questionnaire. Results – Among the 111 patients identified as non-diabetic PeNP patients the mean age was 62 (SD=14) years, 69% were women. Average EQ-5D score was 44% lower than the gender and age matched Hungarian norm (0.42 vs. 0.75, p<0.001) and it worsened with increasing pain intensity. The pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were the most affected EQ-5D dimensions. Strong relationship was demonstrated between the PD-Q and EQ- 5D score. Most of the PeNP patients (86%) were undiagnosed. Conclusions – Non-diabetic PeNP pain has a huge negative impact on health related quality of life. Although PeNP is a serious chronic condition, the disease burden is seriously underestimated, both on the level of individuals and society, due to the fact that patients are rarely identified.